Cop-out answer in interview

[jammin06]

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We all know that there's a fairly high probability that you will be asked 'why do you want to become a doctor' in ur interview. Some reasons that i've heard (good and bad) would be cuz i've always wanted ot help people, my parents want me too, etc...

While volunteering in the ER, i've had the chance to work with attending physicians and residents who pretty much treat me like a med student (present me with signs/symptoms, i have to come up with a diagnosis; what tests i would order and why i would order them to find out what would be wrong; trying to learn to read chest xrays and ct scans, and other stuff like that). I guess as a bare minimum, i have a small taste of what it's like to be a doctor. So, when i get asked the question, is it a complete cop out to say that from my experience I just really like medicine? thanks

 

[captbadass]

this question is one that you always know you are going to get. i've had it at 3 out of 3 interviews so far. i think you can come up with a better answer than "I just really like medicine." why do you like really like it? maybe add a story or two about your experience with it and how it helped you come to the decision that you wanted to be a physician. what do you like about medicine that is unique and is not something that could apply to some other field like law, business, or engineering? i think the most important thing is to be engaging, enthusiastic, and genuine when you answer this one. they can see through BS answers. people always complain about this question, and i was scared of it at first, but after a few interviews I have realised that it is one of my favorites. it gives me the opportunity to show that i know what im getting into by choosing medicine and that im truly interested in it.

 

[Megalofyia]

I've had 10 interviews and have actually never been asked this question. But I like my answer anyways if they were to ask me 😉

 

[ByrnBabyByrn]

I don't think this is one of the more important questions for interviewers. I've had an interviewer tell me that he asks this question "just to get it out of the way". Just relax, they know everyone rehearses the answer to this and are anxious to use it. but don't just say you really like medicine. At least give it some thought and sincerity.

 

[roja]

Its not a cop-out awnser. However, your going to need to explain why you like it. One of the reasons this is frequently asked (particularly if you have a 'yadda yadda yadda' application, aka bio major, volunteered in the ER, want to help people....) is to try and figure out if you really know why. It is also an attempt to figure out if you are MATURE enough. And to try adn find SOMETHING that will seperate you out.

When I asked this on interviews, the premeds who could give me a thoughtful awnser were the ones that got good evals. Helping people is great. Tell me why. Medicine is great, tell me why you like it.

You need to show interviewers that you have thought about it and aren't some young niave thing that jsut thinks medicine is cool.

 

[fever5]

You need to show interviewers that you have thought about it and aren't some young niave thing that jsut thinks medicine is cool.

Sayings you just like medicine is a good direction....again just back it up.

A huge cop out is saying one wants to go into medicine "to help people". Teachers help people, firefighters really help people, as do social workers! How is med different?

Maybe even list the benefits of med - mentally stimulating, continual learning, level of care increases as technology/research improves, etc....

 

[roja]

Sayings you just like medicine is a good direction....again just back it up.

A huge cop out is saying one wants to go into medicine "to help people". Teachers help people, firefighters really help people, as do social workers! How is med different?

Maybe even list the benefits of med - mentally stimulating, continual learning, level of care increases as technology/research improves, etc....

I used to help out my TPR students the same way! and I used to say the same thing... Lots of people help people... why aren't you a social worker? Make sure you have thought about this question because 'I watn to help people' can bury people in an interview.

 

[Medikit]

I think that answer is a very good one.

 

[Jmuhnie]

If the question is "Why do you want to be a doctor?" try to answer it correctly. Why don't you want to be a nurse? What makes being a doctor different to you? Do you want a leadership role in medicine? When asked at my interview I answered all of these questions.